
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Carlsbad, CA from $500 (154 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Carlsbad.


Casa Aldea at Carlsbad

664 Seaward Ave

Elan Park Place Carlsbad

Elan Beachpointe Carlsbad

The Avenue at Carlsbad

The Bluffs at Carlsbad

3434 Monroe St

3266 Eureka Pl

The Hideaway
What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

Total Monthly Price
4000 Highland Dr, Unit SI ID1353788P

Ridgeview

Villas at Carlsbad

Carlsbad Coast

Santa Fe Ranch

Elan Coast Village

Pacific Wind

Tavarua Senior Apartments

Villa Loma Apartments

Sunny Creek Apartments
Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

Hunters Pointe

Jefferson House II Senior Apartments

Cassia Heights

Pacific Pines

The Village Apartment Homes

Lime Grove Apartments

Jefferson House I Senior Community

Carlsbad Sunset Senior Apartments

475 Chestnut Ave

The Arbors of Carlsbad
Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

Portola Senior Apartments

Jefferson Gardens

The Breeze Apartments

Breakwater Townhomes

941-947 Oak Ave

Merrywood Apartments

Sea Breeze

La Costa Seashore

6442 La Paloma St

391 Oak Ave
Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

6382 Paseo Potrero

1825 McCauley Ln

Cottage Row Carlsbad

Carlsbad Cabana

Adams Street Apartments

3463 Caminito Sierra

Casa Del Camino

2432 Papyrus Ct

Encinitas Senior Living - 55+ Active Adult Apartments

Azure Point at Encinitas - 55+ Active Adult Apartments
Moving to North County San Diego: Costs, Commutes, and Culture
From surf culture to family-friendly neighborhoods, discover the best North County San Diego areas to rent and what they’re like day-to-day.
Carlsbad, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Carlsbad?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Carlsbad Studio Apartments | $2,098 | $1,845 | $3,899 |
| Cheap Carlsbad 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,819 | $1,400 | $7,900 |
| Cheap Carlsbad 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,235 | $1,941 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Carlsbad 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,800 | $3,195 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Carlsbad 4 Bedroom Apartments | $13,462 | $6,600 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Apartments in Carlsbad
See all Apartments in CarlsbadExplore Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA Local Guide

- Carlsbad Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Available Carlsbad Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Carlsbad, CA is a Studio unit found at Azure Point at Encinitas - 55+ Active Adult Apartments in the North Shore Cities neighborhood priced from $1,845. Encinitas Senior Living - 55+ Active Adult Apartments in the North Shore Cities neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,845. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Carlsbad apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azure Point at Encinitas - 55+ Active Adult Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,845 |
| Encinitas Senior Living - 55+ Active Adult Apartments | Studio - S1 | Studio,1BA | $1,845 |
| Sycamore Ridge Apartments | 1 Bedroom/ 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,925 |
| Camino Colony | One Bed One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,950 |
| Ascot Village | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $2,013 |
| Creekwood Villas | STUDIO | Studio,1BA | $2,029 |
| Vista Pacifica Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,100 |
| Elan Beachpointe Carlsbad | Studio 1 Bath | Studio,1BA | $2,145 |
| Ocean Vista | The Lagoon | 1BR,1BA | $2,150 |
| 328 South Weitzel Street | 1/1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,150 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Carlsbad, CA
As of June 08, 2026 the best value apartment in the Carlsbad area is the $2.46 price per square foot The Rome Model at Piazza D'Oro in the in the Mira Costa neighborhood starting from $3,840. The second greatest value Carlsbad apartment is the 2 Beds, 2 Baths Model at Sabrina Greens Apartment starting at $3,550 with a $2.54 price per square foot in the Dejong neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Carlsbad apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piazza D'Oro | The Rome | 3BR,3.5BA | $2.46 |
| Sabrina Greens Apartment | 2 Beds, 2 Baths | 2BR,2BA | $2.54 |
| BluWater Crossing | 1x2RES-1367 | 1BR,2BA | $2.74 |
| 2016 Via Esmarca, Unit #2 | 2016 Via Esmarca | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.55 |
| Briarcrest Apartments | 2 Beds, 1 Bath Model | 2BR,1BA | $2.00 |
| Elan Pacifico Encinitas | Aspire | 1BR,1BA | $2.87 |
| 2163 Via Sonora, Unit 2163 | 2163 Via Sonora | 2BR,1BA | $2.67 |
| Ascot Village | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $2.77 |
| Vista Pacifica Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.92 |
| Sycamore Ridge Apartments | 1 Bedroom/ 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.67 |
Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.
Read ArticleThe Student Renter's Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect San Diego Neighborhood to Rent
Learn About the Best Neighborhoods to Rent Near College Campuses in San Diego, CA | Find San Diego Off-Campus Student Housing
Read ArticleReal Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.
Carlsbad Overview
Located about 80 miles south of Los Angeles and just a mere 30 or so miles from the hub of San Diego, Carlsbad is a thriving locale in the great state of California with much to offer. Known as 'The Village by the Sea' among locals, this luxurious destination is a prime slice of tourism-based West Coast gold, offering stunning ocean views and more than its fair share of pampering amenities.
Why live in Carlsbad, CA?
One of the most upscale cities in all of Calfiornia, a rental in Carlsbad is a sure sign you are on the path to success. From stunning water views to impressive schools, nearby theme park excitement to a plethora of world-class restaurant options, this prime slice of sunny west coast real estate is about as ideal as it gets when you talk about Cali living.
Carlsbad, CAPopulation: 115,877
Ranked #250
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in Carlsbad, CA
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Carlsbad, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Carlsbad, CA
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Carlsbad Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Carlsbad?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Carlsbad is at Azure Point at Encinitas - 55+ Active Adult Apartments listed at $1,599.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Carlsbad Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Carlsbad Apartment is $1,925 at Sycamore Ridge Apartments.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Carlsbad Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Carlsbad is starting from $2,200 at Briarcrest Apartments.
What is the most affordable Carlsbad Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap Carlsbad Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Elan Shadowridge Meadows and starts from $3,195.
Expert Rental Resources
The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.
Helpful Local Expert Guides

Top 10 Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Diego: A Local Real Estate Expert Guide
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Aloha! I’m Hayden, your local San Diego Realtor and relocation expert with ApartmentHomeLiving.com.

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Choosing the right place to live during your college years can make or break your collegiate experience. My name is Hayden, I’m a San Diego area expert with ApartmentHomeLiving.com and have been in the real estate world for years.

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Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units
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Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent
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A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
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I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.